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Friday, April 17, 2015

Healthy Habits: STD Reminders

April is STD awareness month
so there is no better time to remind adults of the facts about sexually
transmitted diseases, and to inform teens about the facts. The Center
for Disease Control and Prevention states that 20 million new cases of
sexually transmitted infections occur every year in the U.S. according
to a 2014 report. That's more than 54,000 new cases each day, so the
chances of getting infected are high. In a recent survey with Planned
Parent, 95% of women surveyed rarely or never used protection during
oral sex, and 58% of them had sex without the use of a condom. This is
especially alarming when you take into account that these are not
monogamous couples.

The importance of educating women and men to have the sex talk with
their partner before sex ever begins cannot be overlooked, and it all
begins with straight talk. Women surveyed were more reluctant to bring
up the topic of condom use, and taking the pill or using a barrier to
prevent pregnancy does nothing to protect from an STD.

According to the American Social Health Organization, one in four teens
in the U.S. becomes infected with an STD each year. By the age of 25
half of all sexually active young adults will get an STD this especially
scary since not all STDs can be cured.

How to prevent an STD:

Practicing
abstinence is the only sure way to prevent STDs. Don't have sex until
you are ready to deal with every possible consequence that may happen.

Talk about sexual health with your partner before you have sex.

Use a condom.

Practice
monogamy. This means you agree to have sex with only one person and
they mutually agree to only have sex with you. If you don't trust them,
why are you sleeping with them?

Get checked for STDs if you have any concerns. Don't risk giving the infection to someone else.

Don't use alcohol or drugs before you have sex as it distorts your thinking and decreases your ability to make healthy choices.

How to stop the spread of STDs:

If you have an STD, stop having sex until you see a doctor and are treated.

Follow your doctor's instructions for treatment.

Return to your doctor to get rechecked and don't resume sex until you are cleared of your STD.

Be sure your sex partner or partners are notified and get treatment.

Always insist and be adamant that your health is first and listen to your doctor instead of your partner.

If you are concerned about having an STD, the best thing you can do for
your health is to ask your healthcare provider for an STD screening. It
may be embarrassing but it may also save your life. Many STDs can be
easily diagnosed and treated. If either you or your partner is affected,
you will both have to be treated at the same time to prevent getting
re-infected. Your health must never take second place to your feelings
of embarrassment or fear of losing your partner.

Mary Jo Rapini, MEd, LPC, is a licensed psychotherapist and co-author with Janine J. Sherman, of Start Talking: A Girl's Guide for You and Your Mom About Health, Sex or Whatever. Read more about the book at www.StartTalkingBook.com and more about Rapini at www.maryjorapini.com.